She leaned against Xiao Rongyanâs chest: "Jintong, sheâs following the path you took back then..."
Xiao Rongyan never imagined that Cui Fengnian would be the third young lady of the Bai family, because he had seen her in Dadu City before. It was unexpected that in such a short time, she had traveled through the Dongyi Kingdom, discovered the Tianfeng Kingdom, even went to Xiliang, joining forces with major families for profit, stirring up turmoil, and later... arrived in the Yan Kingdom.
Furthermore, Murong Ping mentioned that he had met this wealthy businessman Cui Fengnian and even wanted to cooperate with him. He also detained this businessman until the gambling eventâs end before allowing him to leave the capital of Yan. Therefore, Xiao Rongyan had people monitor Cui Fengnian but did not investigate him deeply.
"So, even before the Bai family completely emerged from their predicament, you had already started planning for today." Xiao Rongyan gently caressed Bai Qingyanâs arm, "Far-sighted... If you could unite this world, it would be a good thing!"
Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes, intertwining her fingers with his: "We will unify it. The Zhou is implementing the new laws that Empress Ji left unimplemented in the Yan Kingdom. If Empress Jiâs spirit is watching from the heavens, seeing a prosperous era where people live in abundance and peace, she would certainly be pleased."
Xiao Rongyan nodded slightly, placed a kiss on Bai Qingyanâs hair, and said: "I just heard some Zhou soldiers say that the loyal King will arrive early tomorrow, so I suspect you want to surprise and take revenge on Xiping County as soon as the loyal King arrives with his troops. Your leg is injured, let me go for you."
Seeing Bai Qingyan was about to protest, he said: "Iâm afraid my poor reputation has already spread throughout the Yan Kingdom. I donât mind having more people curse me, but as for your leg... if you donât rest, Iâm afraid it will only worsen. If anything indeed goes wrong... I would have no way of facing your mother."
Bai Qingyan is his wife. If he cannot even protect Bai Qingyan, how could he face Mrs. Dong, and what kind of husband would he be?
"Ah Yan, I know you stand by my side not just because Yan Kingdom hurt you deeply, but more because, in your heart, I outweigh the Yan Kingdom." Bai Qingyan lifted her head, her black and white clear eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight from the glass lantern on the table, "You know I will inevitably go to Xiping County, and you canât stop me, yet you fear my injuries will worsen in this battle, so... you want to go for me!"
Xiao Rongyan looked down at the woman in his arms, feeling a lump in his throat, and softly acknowledged.
"But Ah Yan, while you worry about me, I worry about you as well! The Yan Kingdom... is your country, your home." Bai Qingyanâs voice was clear and gentle, "In all relationships, whether as spouses, relatives, or friends, genuine care is mutual and comes from the heart."
To Bai Qingyan, Xiao Rongyan is not only a lover but also a family member, and a close confidant.
The Yan Kingdom can be taken by Bai Qingyan, but not for Xiao Rongyan to fight the first battle for Zhou.
To wield a sword against his own country, how will Xiao Rongyan face Ah Li, how will he face himself in the future?
She does not want Xiao Rongyan, in the future, to think of the Yan Kingdom and only see scenes of himself wielding a sword against it. He is human too... and can feel pain.
Xiao Rongyan had killed King of Xipingâs two sons and the Crown Princess Consort for her. When those people from the King of Xipingâs residence return, who knows how they will explain, and what kind of comment history will leave for Xiao Rongyan.
Xiao Rongyan understood Bai Qingyanâs words. His gaze, meeting hers, shifted to her temples as he lifted a hand to tuck the loose strands of hair behind her ear, tightening his embrace around her shoulder.
Genuine care is mutual and comes from the heart...
But he regards his sister-in-law as the most respected person after his elder brotherâs death, why canât he gain a bit of... care, as if treating him as a younger brother?
"Besides, with Ah Jue here, I will only be using the status of the Emperor of Zhou to boost morale!" Bai Qingyan said, noticing Xiao Rongyan lost in thought, she paused before continuing softly, "Ah Yan..."
Xiao Rongyan returned to his senses and nodded: "Since thatâs the case, then Iâll set off for the Yan capital shortly, as Ah Li is soft-hearted, and some matters require me to deal with."
Originally, Xiao Rongyan intended to fight in Bai Qingyanâs place, settle things for her, and then return to the Yan capital, so he had someone send the news ahead.
Since Bai Qingyan insists on fighting, he will leave earlier.
"Are you worried about the Imperial Clan doing harm to Ah Li?" Bai Qingyan also had this concern after seeing the message Bai Jintong sent.
"No matter what, as a subject of the Yan Kingdom or as Ah Liâs ninth uncle, I must protect Ah Li." Xiao Rongyan looked at Bai Qingyan, "Ah Li must not come to harm!"
Bai Qingyan did not stop him for if she were in his place, she would also return to the Yan capital: "Alright, take care of yourself on the road. I will have Liu Pinggao take people to accompany you as there arenât many people you can mobilize within the Yan Kingdom..."
"Traveling with an army will slow me down and is too conspicuous. Iâll ride swiftly back to the Yan capital with the guards without stopping day or night." Xiao Rongyan lowered his eyes to look at Bai Qingyan, "We have all the time in the future."
Bai Qingyan nodded: "If needed, you may use the manpower from Jintongâs side. She... considers you family."
"Alright!"
Bai Qingyan originally wanted to personally see Xiao Rongyan to the door, but Xiao Rongyan, concerned about her leg injury, removed her shoes, settled her down, and drew the curtains on the bed before leaving with Yue Shi.
·
As soon as Bai Jinzhi arrived in the city, she was eager to see Lu Yuanpeng.
She thought it would be like before, seeing a lively Lu Yuanpeng, but instead, with Lu Yuanpengâs face devoid of any color under the flickering light, lying there motionless as if only exhaling and not inhaling in anymore, Bai Jinzhi was extremely anxious.
She knelt on the cedar wood footstool, tightly clutching Lu Yuanpengâs hand, her voice trembling as she looked wide-eyed at the doctor: "Say it again..."
"Your Highness Gaoyi, this General has lost too much blood. I am ashamed; there is truly nothing more I can do... Iâm afraid he wonât last more than a few hours." The elderly doctor, also trembling, replied to Bai Jinzhi.
For a moment, tears nearly spilled from Bai Jinzhiâs eyes. After a moment of hesitation, she steeled herself and declared, "Itâs your medical skills that are lacking! To save Lu Yuanpeng, we need Doctor Hong! Someone, prepare a carriage!"
Upon hearing Bai Jinzhiâs words, the doctor hurriedly said: "Your Highness Gaoyi, this General cannot withstand the jolts of a carriage!"
"So should we just wait here for him to die?" Bai Jinzhi looked at the young officer standing at the doorway in confusion, "What are you standing there for, prepare the carriage! Quickly!"
"Yes!"
Seeing the young officer rush out in panic, Bai Jinzhi grasped Lu Yuanpengâs hand and sat on the footstool, rubbing his hand vigorously as she looked at his tightly shut eyes, nearly breaking into a sob: "Lu Yuanpeng! Lu Yuanpeng... think of your elderly grandfather, you have always been blessed and lucky! You will be alright! As long as you recover... Iâll marry you, alright?"
As she finished speaking, Bai Jinzhi could not hold back and burst into tears...